Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is an invasive non-native evergreen shrub that was widely introduced to the UK as an ornamental garden plant. In woodlands, it can form dense thickets that cast deep shade, suppressing native ground flora, preventing tree regeneration, and reducing biodiversity.
As part of the Wye Invasive Species Project (WISP), we have been working to control Cherry Laurel at several important conservation sites across the Wye Valley, including:
These sites have been designated for their important woodland habitats and native plant communities, which can be significantly impacted by invasive species such as Cherry Laurel.
 | Initial work at Bigsweir Woods involved the cutting and treatment of mature Cherry Laurel, carried out in partnership with Chapel Hill Tree Services. While this successfully removed the existing canopy, significant regrowth occurred from surviving stems and root systems, highlighting the resilience of this invasive species and the need for ongoing management.
To tackle the regrowth, follow-up work has been undertaken by Alan, Head of Nature Conservation Services, using a technique known as stem boring. This involves drilling into the stem and injecting herbicide directly into the plant. The method has proved highly effective, minimising disturbance to the surrounding habitat while achieving excellent control of regrowth. |
 | Our experience over the last two years has shown that stem boring standing Cherry Laurel can often be the most cost-effective and efficient management technique in suitable locations. Stem boring is where herbicide is applied directly into the living stem. This targeted approach minimises disturbance to surrounding vegetation and has proved highly effective at controlling regrowth. Rather than cutting and removing large quantities of vegetation, the treated trees are left standing. Over the following months they gradually die, allowing natural processes to take over. As branches and stems begin to collapse and decompose, the woodland canopy opens up, increasing the amount of light reaching the woodland floor. This approach is particularly suitable in areas with limited public access, where standing dead trees do not pose a risk to visitors. |
The results at Bigsweir Woods are already encouraging. With the Cherry Laurel declining and the canopy beginning to open, there has been a noticeable increase in natural regeneration, including large numbers of young oak saplings emerging across the site.
As more light reaches the ground, we expect native woodland plants to continue recovering, helping restore the diverse habitats for which these sites are designated. This is especially important within Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), where conservation efforts aim to protect and enhance rare and characteristic native species.
Controlling Cherry Laurel is not a one-off task, and long-term monitoring and follow-up treatment remain essential. However, the progress seen so far demonstrates how targeted management can help restore native woodland ecosystems and create the conditions needed for wildlife and native plants to thrive once again.
Before: Woodland Dominated by Cherry Laurel
Before management, Cherry Laurel formed a dense evergreen canopy across parts of Bigsweir Woods. The thick shade prevented sunlight from reaching the woodland floor, suppressing native wildflowers, tree regeneration and important woodland habitats. Did you know? | Treatment: Controlling the Invasive Species
Initial management involved cutting mature Cherry Laurel and treating stumps to prevent regrowth. While this significantly reduced the infestation, some plants regenerated from surviving root systems, demonstrating the resilience of this invasive species. Follow-up control has focused on stem boring, where herbicide is applied directly into the living stem. This targeted approach minimises disturbance to surrounding vegetation and has proved highly effective at controlling regrowth. | Recovery: Native Woodland Returning
With the Cherry Laurel declining and more light reaching the woodland floor, natural regeneration is beginning to take place. Hundreds of young oak saplings are now establishing across treated areas. As dead Cherry Laurel gradually falls and decomposes, the woodland canopy opens naturally. Increased light levels create conditions for native woodland plants to recover and recolonise the site. |
🌳 Cherry Laurel controlled across multiple areas of Bigsweir Woods SSSI, Cleddon Shoots SSSI and Hudnalls NNR
☀️ Increased light reaching the woodland floor
🍃 Improved conditions for native woodland flora
🌱 Natural regeneration
🔬 Valuable lessons learned about the most effective treatment methods
Our work has shown that, where public safety considerations allow, stem boring and leaving trees standing can be the most cost-effective and practical method of controlling Cherry Laurel.
The gradual death and natural collapse of the trees:
While Cherry Laurel remains a popular hedging and screening plant, gardeners may wish to consider Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica) as an alternative.
Portuguese Laurel has been championed by gardener and broadcaster Monty Don, who has described it as a more attractive and refined species than its larger-leaved relative. Unlike Cherry Laurel, which can grow rapidly and spread into neighbouring woodlands, Portuguese Laurel has a slower growth rate and is generally easier to manage in a garden setting.
